SNOWMOBILING

Excellent back country and groomed trail riding is available through the Routt National Forest north of Craig and south into the Flattops. There are 105 miles of groomed trails maintained by the Northwest Colorado Snowmobile Club (NOWECOS).

The Craig Snowmobile System is located in the Bears Ears District of Routt National Forest in Northwest Colorado. Trailheads of maintained trails leading into the Black Mountain and California Park areas of the Elkhead Mountain Range are conveniently located approximately 11 miles north of Craig on Colorado Highway 13 and a southern segment leading to the Beaver Flattops and the Baldy Mountain areas is located approximately 15 miles south of Craig on Highway 13.

Trail elevations range from approximately 7000 to over 10,000 feet with snow depths of 4 to 10 feet from late November through April. The area has a wide variety of terrain and scenery, including steep mountains, stands of spruce, fir and aspen trees, and scenic overlook points of the Yampa Valley.

At the lower elevations, the trails pass through many large open parks and meadows, and over gently rolling hills. Most wildlife is located below the 8,000 foot elevation during the winter months.

Approximately 85 miles of trails are maintained on county and forest roads, with an additional 5 miles of marked-only trails on forest routes. Trails are well marked and cleared and "YOU ARE HERE" signs are located at all trail intersections for rider reassurance. The trail numbers approximate the relative degree of difficulty, with the #1 trails being the easiest. Trails considered to be the "MOST DIFFICULT" are identified in red. However, changing weather conditions such as heavy and sudden snowfall, wind and drifting snow can temporarily increase the difficulty of even the best trails and NOWECOS urges all riders to constantly exercise caution when riding mountain terrain.

Guided tours are available. More information can be obtained from NOWECOS at P.O. Box 3, Craig, Colorado 81626 or request the snowmobiling brochure.